We have heard lots of information lately about talcum powder use and the risk of ovarian cancer. Let’s step back and look at the facts.
Ovarian Cancer
“Initially, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and some sarcomas are the three main targets,” says Dr. Koya, “but the clinical trial is open for patients with other cancers who meet the eligibility requirements."
Collected last week from a patient with late-stage ovarian cancer, these are not ordinary T cells; they have been altered and multiplied in the hope that when they are given back to her, they will launch a devastating attack on her cancer cells.
Ovarian cysts are very common in women with regular periods. In fact, most women won’t even be aware that they have a cyst unless there is a problem that causes the cyst to grow or if multiple cysts form. But do ovarian cysts increase cancer risk or cause infertility? Dr. Frederick explains.
Most stories about cancer don’t begin with the word “luck.” But mine does.
In March 2014, my mother, Cathy Pera, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her journey was not easy, but I am proud of the strength she has shown and I am grateful that I was able to support her during some of her most difficult times.
You may not realize it, but your body is home to a lot of microbes — way more than you might think. In healthy humans, “microbial cells outnumber human cells by about ten to one,” according to the Human Microbiome Project of the National Institutes of Health.
Becoming a “teal sister” took me completely by surprise. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is a sneaky thing. So, as a survivor, what would I tell my friends and potential “teal sisters” about my experience?
If you are considering starting a clinical trial, either because your doctor recommended it or because you or an advocate found a trial that seems appropriate, I have this easy advice: “GO FOR IT!” What have you got to lose? Trials are safe, well researched and documented. You, as a patient, are monitored and cared for like you never thought possible. You have so much to gain!
“Happy birthday to me.” KayEllen Gebhart says this in a flat voice, recalling her birthday in 2008 — the day she learned she had stage III ovarian cancer. The bad news came after a CT scan to find out what was causing the “tummy issues” her family doctor thought might be caused by her gallbladder.
Delivering chemotherapy directly to the abdomen can significantly improve survival among women with ovarian cancer—so significantly that nearly ten years ago, the National Cancer Institute issued a special clinical announcement urging oncologists to use the approach, called intraperitonea
While an estimated 5 to 10 percent of all cancers are due to hereditary factors, ovarian cancer is unique—up to 25 percent of these cancers are thought to have a hereditary cause.